Bus service improves for Bridgwater, northwest Winnipeg (Sept 1)

Residents in Winnipeg's Bridgwater and Amber Trails neighbourhoods will have more public transit options as of Sunday morning.

Starting Sept. 3, bus route 86 will provide all-day service to Bridgwater Centre and Bridgwater Lakes in southwest Winnipeg and increase frequency to the Fort Rouge Station, which connects with the Southwest Transitway, the city said.

Bridgewater, part of the Waverley West suburb, has developed rapidly since development was approved by the province in 2005.

The City of Winnipeg is following through from a promise it made in May to increase transit services to the area.

Coun. Janice Lukes says it was public feedback that ultimately prompted the city to add buses to the area.

"We are pleased to provide options that meet the needs of our residents," she said.

In the northwest corner of the city, Winnipeg will expand route 33 Maples to reach Amber Trails while adding additional buses to the route to reduce wait times.

Transit riders will notice better connections to Portage Avenue and Fort Street as well as Portage Avenue and Garry Street, the city said.

Coun. Devi Sharma says bus service will now be offered seven days a week through the heart of the neighbourhood.

"This is an exciting development for Amber Trails and is part of the city's continuous commitment to provide top-quality transit service to all of our citizens," she said.